Andoni: Investment and economic strengthening are the right answers to regional challenges

Political analyst from Tirana, Ben Andoni, stated that all Western Balkan countries are facing political and security challenges, and that the best response to these is investment and the strengthening of their economies.

"Political and security challenges exist in all countries of the region, but the situation appears calmer," Andoni told Kosovo Online.

He noted that strengthening economies and encouraging investment contribute to stabilizing the situation, and that Montenegro is a good example of such a strategy.

"Montenegro, despite its numerous problems, knows how to manage concerns and ease the situation with the help of economic factors. Tourism and other investments have a significant impact on the country, helping to cover up political problems, which are also quite serious there," Andoni said.

He added that the situation in North Macedonia, following the change in government, can best be described as a "status quo."

"To be fair, (Hristijan) Mickoski has contributed to technical issues within North Macedonia, but he's earning points through his fight against corruption and domestic investment," Andoni noted.

He reminded that North Macedonia was the first to sign the agreement on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

"This shows that North Macedonia is more focused on internal matters and improving the well-being of its citizens, leaving politics somewhat aside. That is because the corruption of the previous, left-leaning government has given Mr. Mickoski a lot of room to continue his policy," Andoni believes.